Louisiana National Guard seeks continued funding as federal uncertainty threatens youth programs

The Louisiana National Guard told a Senate fiscal committee that continued state support is needed to sustain operations, preserve training and readiness and protect youth programs that rely heavily on federal funds.

Major General Thomas Freeloux, the Adjutant General of Louisiana, told senators the Guard’s FY26 recommended budget is about $131.1 million and that federal funds account for just over half of the agency’s budget. “Every taxpayer dollar you’ve entrusted with us has been stressed to our to fulfill our federal mandates and serve Louisiana’s people,” Freeloux said.

The budget presentation by Chaz Nichols of Senate Fiscal Services showed historical spending and means of finance. Nichols said the department spent about $90.7 million in FY18, rose to roughly $125.4 million in FY24, and the FY26 recommendation is $131.1 million. State general fund support is roughly $50.9 million — about 39 percent — while federal funds total about $68.7 million. Personal services make up roughly 54 percent of the department’s budget; personnel services total about $70 million with related benefits of about $19.9 million, including $11.2 million for unfunded accrued liability payments.

Why it matters: the Guard warned…